India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire, following intense U.S.-mediated negotiations aimed at halting the most serious conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in over two decades.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the breakthrough on his social media platform, stating, “After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE.”
The ceasefire follows a deadly escalation triggered by a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22, which killed 26 civilians.
India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based militants, leading to retaliatory airstrikes and missile exchanges between the two countries.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the agreement, emphasising Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace.
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that both sides agreed to halt all military actions on land, air, and sea, effective from 5:00 PM IST.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance played key roles in facilitating the talks, engaging with senior officials from both nations, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The agreement includes plans for further discussions on broader issues at a neutral venue, with the U.S. offering continued assistance to prevent future conflicts and facilitate direct communication between the nations.
